Patent Application
20110195217
The present inventive subject matter relates generally to the art of adhesive backed note sheets. Particular relevance is found in connection with tab bearing note sheets, and accordingly the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present inventive subject matter are also equally amenable to other like applications.
Adhesive note sheets are generally known. However, certain prior art adhesive note sheets can exhibit some drawbacks, e.g., such as lacking good writability, the tendency to become undesirably detached when used to lift or turn a page to which they are adhered, etc.
Accordingly, a new and/or improved adhesive-backed note sheets and/or pads thereof are disclosed, which address the above-referenced problem(s) and/or others.
In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a note sheet is provided that includes a body portion and a tab portion integral with the body portion and extending from an end thereof. At a location where the tab portion and the body portion meet one another, at least one arced shoulder is formed therebetween. The note sheet if formed from a multilayer construction that includes a base layer and a first adhesive layer. The base layer extends a substantial entirety of the body and tab portions, and has a first surface and a second surface. The first layer of adhesive is on the second surface of the base layer and is located on the body portion of the note sheet, but not the tab portion.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the multilayer construction further includes an overlay. The overlay is on the first surface of the base layer and is located on the tab portion of the note sheet, but not the body portion. Also, the overlay can be made of a paper material.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the multilayer construction further includes a second layer of adhesive between the overlay and the base layer to secure the overlay to the base layer. The second layer of adhesive is located on the tab portion of the note sheet, but not the body portion.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the multilayer construction further includes an ink receptive topcoat layer on the first surface of the base layer. Also, the multilayer construction can include a release coat layer on the ink receptive topcoat layer opposite the base layer. The release coat layer can be receptive to marking with indicia.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the multilayer construction further includes a primer layer on the first surface of the base layer between the ink receptive topcoat layer and the base layer that aiding anchorage of the ink receptive topcoat layer to the base layer.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the primer layer, ink receptive topcoat layer, and release layer are on the body portion of the note sheet, but not on the tab portion.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, wherein the primer layer, ink receptive topcoat layer, and release layer are on the body portion of the note sheet and the tab portion, the primer layer, ink receptive topcoat layer, and release layer are between the second layer of adhesive and the base layer on the tab portion of the note sheet. Also, the release layer and the second layer of the adhesive can be chosen so that overlay does not functionally release from the note sheet.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the multilayer construction further includes a primer layer disposed on the second surface of the base layer between the first adhesive layer and the base layer. The primer layer aids anchorage of the first adhesive layer to the base layer.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the base layer is a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. Also, the PET film can be tinted with a color.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the first layer of adhesive cover substantially all of the body portion of the note sheet. Also, the first adhesive layer can be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the body portion of the note sheet is translucent. Also, the body portion can include at least one line of weakness that extends across the body portion. The line of weakness divides the body portion into distinct sub-sections. At least one sub-section is selectively removable from the note sheet by separating the sub-section from the body portion along the line of weakness.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the note sheet can include a second tab portion extending from a second end of the body portion.
Another exemplary embodiment is a pad of note sheets. The pad of note sheets includes a plurality of notes sheets that are stacked such that an overlying note sheet is releasably adhered to an adjacent underlying note sheet via a first adhesive layer of the overlying note sheet.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the pad of note sheets includes a bottom-most note sheet that is attached to a release liner via the first adhesive layer of the bottom-most note sheet. Also, the release liner has an outer periphery that substantially matches the outer periphery of the note sheets.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the pad of note sheets includes a plurality of sheets having a second tab portion extending from a second end of the body portion and the first tab portion includes an overlay. The plurality of sheets are stacked such that the first tab portion of the overlying note sheet overlies the second tab portion of the adjacent underlying not sheet.
Another exemplary embodiment is a package of note sheets. The package has at least two pads.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the at least two pads are joined together via adhesive tape.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the at least two pads are adhered to a backing card.
An exemplary method according to the invention is a method for manufacturing a package of note sheets. The method includes providing a film, an overlay, and an adhesive. The film has a first side and a second side. The method also includes coating the second side of the film with the adhesive and laminating the overlay to the first side of the film to form a multilayer construction. The method also includes sheeting the multilayer construction into sheets with each sheet having an adhesive layer side and an overlay-bearing side. The method also includes stacking the sheets to form a stack of sheets in which the adhesive layer side of each sheet is in contact with the overlay-bearing side of an adjacent sheet, and the last sheet of the stack of sheets has an exposed adhesive layer side. The method also includes adhering the exposed adhesive layer side to a carrier sheet, and die cutting the stack of sheets and adhered carrier sheet into at least one pad of note sheets.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the method also includes adhering at least two pads to one another with adhesive tape.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the method also includes adhering at least two pads to a backing card. Also, the two pads can be glued to the backing card.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the method also includes perforating the film.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the method also includes adhering at least one pad to an adhesive tape or backing card.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the method also includes coating a topcoat onto the first side of the film. Also, a primer or a release material can be coated onto the first side of the film. Also, a primer can be coated onto the second side of the film.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the method also includes laminating the overlay to the first side of the film with adhesive.
Numerous advantages and benefits of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification.
The inventive subject matter disclosed herein can take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating exemplary embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting. Further, it is to be appreciated that the drawings may not be to scale.
a and 17b are diagrammatic illustrations showing how a prior art note sheet can become undesirably detached from an underlying page when the note sheet is used to lift or turn the page.
a and 18b are diagrammatic illustrations show how a note sheet in accordance with aspect of the present inventive subject matter remains adhered to an underlying page when the note sheet is used to lift or turn the page.
For clarity and simplicity, the present specification shall refer to structural and/or functional elements, relevant standards and/or protocols, and other components that are commonly known in the art without further detailed explanation as to their configuration or operation except to the extent they have been modified or altered in accordance with and/or to accommodate the preferred embodiment(s) presented herein.
With reference now to
Suitably, the note sheet 10 has as overall length ‘l’ and an overall width ‘w’. For example, where the dimensions are given in the format l×w and the values are approximate: as illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive 30 covers all or most of the backside 22 of the body portion 12 of the note sheet 10, but does not reside on the backside 22 of the tab portion 14 of the note sheet 10. As can be appreciated, the substantially complete coverage of the backside 22 of the body portion 12 of the note sheet 10 with adhesive 30 promotes better adhesion when the note sheet 10 is adhered to a document page or other object. Alternatively, the adhesive 30 can be pattern coated or otherwise cover less than the entire backside 22 of the body portion 12 of the note sheet 10. Suitably, pattern-coated adhesives will extend substantially along all edges of the body portion of the note sheet, thereby adhering the edges firmly to a document page or other object.
On a second major surface or front side 24 of the film 20 (i.e., opposite the first major surface or backside 22), an ink receptive or other suitable topcoat 40 can be provided. For example, suitable ink receptive topcoats for the topcoat 40 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,265,043 to Vinyard, et al., which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Of course, other known ink receptive top coats can also be employed. Optionally, a printable release coating 50 can be employed as a topcoat. The topcoat is optional, however, in embodiments that include a topcoat, the topcoat is approximately 0.5 mil to approximately 1.0 mil in thickness. Optionally, a primer 42 is interposed between the front side 24 of the film 20 and the topcoat 40 to enhance the anchorage of the topcoat 40 to the film 20. Suitable primers for the primer 42 include, e.g., the same primers and the same thickness as listed above for primer 32.
With additional reference now to
As shown in
In either case, an overlay 70 is suitably adhered to the front side 24 of the tab portion 14 of the note sheet 10, e.g., via a suitably aggressive adhesive 80. Suitably, the overlay 70 is paper or another material suitable for receiving ink and/or otherwise writing on and is from approximately 3 mils to approximately 4 mils in thickness. The adhesive 80 is, for example, a suitably aggressive pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), or alternatively, the overlay can be adhered with traditional hot melt adhesives, gums, or other permanent adhesives, or the overlay can be welded onto or pressed into the partially molten base layer 20. Suitably, the adhesive 80 is a permanent adhesive such that the overlay 70 is not readily removable from the note sheet 10 and the adhesive is from approximately 0.5 mil to 1.0 mil in thickness. In particular, with reference to the embodiment shown in
With reference now to
In one embodiment, the lines of weakness 18 are formed by perforated lines extending the width ‘w’ of the note sheet 10. The perforated lines are suitably made up of a plurality of discontinuous cuts or breaks extending completely through the entire thickness of the note sheet 10, with intermittent lands of uncut or intact areas being arranged between adjacent cuts or breaks. Alternatively, the lines of weakness 18 can be formed by scoring or partial die or other like cutting which does not extend entirely through the thickness of the note sheet 10. In any event, suitably, the lines of weakness 18 provide sufficient strength to prevent inadvertent, unwanted or unintentional separation or folding along the line 18 under normal use and/or wear, while still facilitating easy separation along the line 18 when folding, tearing or other like forces are intentionally applied. For example, where the base layer 20 is a 5 mils thick polyester film and the lines of weakness 18 are implemented as per the previously described perforations, the perforated line is suitably formed by cuts or breaks that measure about 0.12 inch in length with interposed lands that measure about 0.02 inch in length. In another embodiment, the cuts measure about 0.06 inch and the lands measure about 0.03 inch. In yet another embodiment, the cuts measure about 0.08 inch and the lands measure about 0.04 inch. Other lengths of cuts and lands can be used.
In suitable embodiments, each perforated line forming a line of weakness 18 begins and ends at the edges of the note sheet 10 with a land. Perforations with land elements at each end thereof will promote resistance to tearing along the line of weakness 18, unless and/or until a purposeful tearing or other like separating force is applied. Optionally, as shown in
With reference now to
More specifically, as shown in
Suitably, the overlay 70 on the tab portion 14 provides good ink reception and/or writability so that a user can mark the same as desired with a standard writing implement, e.g., pencil, ballpoint pen, rollerball, gel pen, highlighter, marker, etc. Additionally, the tab overlay 70 is optionally provided in an aesthetically pleasing and/or eye catching color, such as, for example, blue, green, red, pink, yellow, cyan, magenta, purple, white, or taupe, or pastel or neon variants of these, to promote its ready identification and/or to stand out from or contrast with the document page 200.
Suitably, the topcoat 40 also provides good ink reception and/or writability so that a user can mark the same as desired with a standard writing instrument, e.g., pencil, ballpoint pen, rollerball, gel pen, highlighter, marker, etc. In one suitable embodiment, the optionally provided release coat or layer 50 is selected and/or arranged so as to not significantly degrade or interfere with the ink reception and/or writability of the topcoat 40. Alternatively, the release coat or layer can itself be receptive to accepting indicia from a standard writing instrument. Indicia means any marking from a writing or printing instrument, including, but not limited to, pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, typewriters, label printers, desktop or personal printers, and copiers. Suitably, the body potion 12 of the note sheet 10 (e.g., including any applied release coat 50, the topcoat 40, the underlying base layer or film 20, etc.) is translucent so that document page 200 can be viewed therethrough, i.e., so that any writing or other like markings on the document page 200 can still be viewed even when the body portion 12 of the note sheet 10 is covering the same. Optionally, the film 20 can be lightly tinted with a desired color (e.g., that contrasts with the document page 200), such as for example, clear, gray, blue, green, yellow, or pink, to provide a more pleasing look, to aid in highlighting and to clearly demark the edges of the body portion 12, e.g., so that a user can avoid, if they so desire, writing off the edge of the note sheet 10 and onto the document page 200. Additionally, as shown in
Notably, the arced and/or curved shoulders 16, as well as the radiused or rounded corners of the note sheet 10, give the note sheet 10 a professional, more finished and/or distinct appearance. Additionally, the tab portion 10 extending beyond the edge of the document page 200 provides a user ready access thereto, even if the page 200 is located under a stack of one or more other similar document pages. Accordingly, the tab portion 10 can be selectively grasped by a user to locate, lift, and/or turn the page 200. Notably, in this case, the radiused or curved shoulders 16 help prevent unwanted separation or detachment of the note sheet 10 from the page 200 by directing applied peel force (e.g., resulting from lifting or otherwise manipulating the page 200 via the attached note sheet 10) away from the corners of the note sheet 100 where separation would usually occur. Additionally, the radiused or rounded corners of the note sheet 10 eliminate sharp corners that could poke or otherwise irritate users.
As already mentioned above, the shoulders 16 aid in maintaining adherence and/or attachment of the note sheet 10 to a document page 200 when the note sheet 10 is used to lift the document page, rather than peeling from the document page 200. For example, compare how a traditional note sheet 10a without shoulders 16 functions under such manipulation (as shown in
With reference to
In contrast, with reference now to
Additionally, it is to be appreciated that in embodiments where the adhesive 30 covers all or nearly all of the body portion 12 of the backside 22 of the film 20, a wider adhesion area can be had with respect to the page 200. Accordingly, as compared to conventional adhesive backed note sheets that have only partial adhesive coverage on their backsides, the strength of the adhesive 30 can be reduced while still achieving the same degree of overall adhesion with respect to the page 200. Therefore, when the note sheet 10 is selectively removed from the page 200, the likelihood of damaging the page 200 or lifting print therefrom is reduced due to the relatively less aggressive adhesive 30.
Referring again to
As previously mentioned, suitably a plurality of note sheets 10 are arranged in a pad 100.
In addition to the note sheets 10, optionally the pad 100 includes a carrier sheet 10′ on the bottom side of the pad 100. As shown, the carrier sheet 10′ is similarly shaped to the sheets 10 stacked on top thereof. Suitably, the carrier sheet 10′ is formed from a release liner, e.g., such a siliconized or calendared paper or other known release liner material. Alternatively, the carrier sheet can be made from a backing card or other sufficiently rigid or stiff support structure having a layer of release material coated onto a surface of the card. Yet another alternative includes a release liner that is adhered to a backing card.
With reference now to
An exemplary method of manufacture, as shown in
In any event, it is to be appreciated that in connection with the particular exemplary embodiment(s) presented herein certain structural and/or functional features are described as being incorporated in defined elements and/or components. However, it is contemplated that these features can, to the same or similar benefit, also likewise be incorporated in other elements and/or components where appropriate. It is also to be appreciated that different aspects of the exemplary embodiments can be selectively employed as appropriate to achieve other alternative embodiments suited for desired applications, the other alternative embodiments thereby realizing the respective advantages of the aspects incorporated therein.
Additionally, it is to be appreciated that certain elements described herein as incorporated together can under suitable circumstances be stand-alone elements or otherwise divided. Similarly, a plurality of particular functions described as being carried out by one particular element can be carried out by a plurality of distinct elements acting independently to carry out individual functions, or certain individual functions can be split-up and carried out by a plurality of distinct elements acting in concert. Alternatively, some elements or components otherwise described and/or shown herein as distinct from one another can be physically or functionally combined where appropriate.
In short, the present specification has been set forth with reference to preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the present specification. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/355,485, filed Feb. 8, 2010, entitled “Note Sheets and Related Pads of Note Sheets,” by Jay K. Sato, Eric Kim, Susan L. Broyles, Darren S. Ferris, Cheng-Chung Chang, and Tsun-Rung Hsu, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/361,471, filed May 11, 2010, entitled “Note Sheets and Related Pads of Note Sheets,” by Jay K. Sato, Eric Kim, Susan L. Broyles, Darren S. Ferris, Cheng-Chung Chang, and Tsun-Rung Hsu, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 29355485 | Feb 2010 | US |
| Child | 12829386 | US | |
| Parent | 29361471 | May 2010 | US |
| Child | 29355485 | US |
